JToddH
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My 1000th Post! TAG Heuer - Monaco Gets Personal!
For my 1000th post, I had planned to do the grand reveal of some new acquisition for myself. Instead, I’ve chosen to share something much more important. It is a new (newly acquired) watch, but not mine.
You see, married just over six months ago, I was fortunate enough to wed an amazing woman who has embraced my passion for watches and developed her own proclivity for the art. Best of all, she continues to support my involvement - whether it’s late nights on the computer writing posts or jaunting off to events. Often accompanying me to GTG’s or other watch-based occasions, she has quickly become a part of the equation. Not only is she an accomplished and successful lawyer, she now uses her degree in English Literature to edit my articles.
As many of you now know, watch collecting is a communicable disease, so it didn’t take long for her to contract an incurable affliction that has transformed her into a budding WIS. It’s a transformation similar to becoming a Zombie, where we speak in terms few mortals understand on topics most cannot appreciate, and has the added benefit of complete fiscal irresponsibility if gone unchecked. And now there are two of us in one house. The horror!
About the watch.
With her collection just starting to build, for Christmas she asked for a TAG Heuer Monaco Reference WW2115/2116, circa 2007-2010 (as best we can best ascertain.) In true WIS fashion, however, she was very specific with what she preferred. She wanted a Monaco Calibre 6 (Automatic) on Python strap.
While I was duly impressed with the specificity of her choice, the object of her desire was a model that has been out of production for a number of years. I wasn’t sure if I should be impressed or mortified with her knowledge of Monacos, past and present.
The dilemma of acquisition was solved in relatively short order. After following the typical online sources, I finally came across the model she was looking for. It was an easy transaction and, after a day or two of anticipation, the piece was delivered to an eager recipient.
As you may know from my previous posts, I am the proud owner of a Monaco LS, which remains my personal favorite from the Monaco line. Still, even I have to admit that her Monaco is actually much closer to the original Monacos than my LS. Aside from four corners, the Calibre 6 and LS have little in common.
The stainless case of the Calibre 6 Monaco is smaller at 38mm vs. 40.5mm for the LS - it is also noticeably thinner. It has a convex sapphire crystal that is absolutely gorgeous, even if it makes the Monaco difficult to photograph. At just about any angle, the crystal casts a reflection. Still, the sweeping curve of the crystal lends to the Monaco’s iconic profile. According to my wife, the watch wears well at 38mm without feeling “dainty.”
I also like the TAG Heuer logo branded prominently on the front right edge of the case. This was the practice commonly seen on Monacos, Monaco LS’s and early V4’s but was removed in more recent models. My Monaco, a later model, is missing this detail.
Factoid: Between the case, strap, movement and clasp, I counted seven references to TAG Heuer, either spelled out or the iconic shield logo.
The dial of the Calibre 6 Monaco is simply sublime. Its muted brown finish is reminiscent of the subdued blue applied to the original Monacos. It is clean and elegant with a creative assortment of details that make it bold yet sexy and feminine. The hands and indices are nickel clad. Diamonds to the tune of a baker’s dozen adorn the radial indices, with a pair perched together atop the 12 o’clock position.
TAG Heuer cleverly added a stripe, no doubt a racing stripe, through the center of the dial, clearly a nod to the racing legacy branded into the DNA of all Monacos. Even within the center stripe is a subtle ribbed texture that differentiates them from the rest of the dial. The window for the date is simple, perhaps a small polished frame would have accented the date a bit better.
Interestingly, in addition to the ribbed center stripe, the rest of the dial receives a traditional sunburst pattern. From just about any angle, light dances around the radial texture as if animated. The dial is subtle, yet mesmerizing. Truly elegant.
It may seem odd to mix vertical stripes with a radial sunburst pattern on a single dial, but if only on a Monaco, it works. I couldn’t be more impressed with the outcome.
As a trained graphic designer, I have to appreciate how well arranged the logo and text are on the dial. The TAG Heuer logo is well balanced and in perfect proportions and the large sans serif “MONACO” boldly pronounces itself. I also like that the dial clearly proclaims it an automatic, distinguishing this from various quartz models (which was an important selling point for my wife, as well).
Closer in, the embossed running seconds register is clean, simple and legible while the radiating sunburst dial perfectly compliments the diamonds and their thematically square settings.
Thirteen Top Wesselton, Brilliant Cut diamonds are set into the dial with a total weight of about .08 carats. The Top Wesselton graded color is listed as “fine white,” the equivalent of “H” on the more common GIA color grading scale.
Another unique feature of this particular Monaco is the “chameleon effect.” One would certainly expect a polished stainless steel case to reflect its environment, but to some extent, the dial does as well. As I did test shots on various backgrounds, I noticed the dial, brown by design, seems to appear wine colored in some environments, and sometimes almost black. I do concede that part of this may simply be the blueish-purple tint common to sapphire crystals. Regardless, this color shift adds to the complex mood and personality of this Monaco.
I have to give credit to the designers at TAG Heuer for their aesthetic decisions. Starting from scratch, I never would have considered brown for a dial yet they’ve created a design that is attractive and quite versatile. According to my wife, one of her favorite characteristics of this watch is that it pairs well with a diverse selection of outfits and occasions ranging from casual to formal.
Retaining all the classic elements of the iconic Monacos, but with refined elegance, this Monaco is not a mere reissue of the original. It has a character all its own. The python strap really brings reference model to life. The 20mm strap is rich and colorful with a pronounced texture. For a watch potentially a decade old, the strap shows little wear, a testament to its quality.
The watch and strap are secured with TAG Heuer’s standard faire, a polished stainless steel folding clasp. It makes the watch easy to adjust and locks firmly in place.
Though tastes differ, I for one am a fan of exhibition case backs. While the original Monacos have solid backs, I find the transparent back a welcome addition. Not only does this model look great, its mechanicals are solid. Inside this Monaco beats a Calibre 6, a TAG Heuer flavored ETA 2895-2 that evolved from the formidable ETA 2892-A2, known for its quality and, in particular, its accuracy.
The Calibre 6 is a staple in the TAG Heuer arsenal, powering dozens of other models including Carreras and Links. Tucked just above the balance wheel are the ETA seal and numbers designating the ETA 2895-2. While I cannot tell the exact grade of this movement, the blued screws, perlage, Geneva stripes and rhodium coated rotor would suggest perhaps a “Top” grade. In any case, the finish is certainly of quality to warrant the exhibition caseback.
Needless to say, my wife was ecstatic to finally receive her first Monaco and the second for our household. No doubt there are more Monacos in our future, hopefully vintage, but for now, I don’t think this is such a bad place to start.
I’m excited for my wife, if not a little jealous, that she now has a Monaco with a touch of vintage in it. No doubt at our next TAG Heuer event, this watch will get noticed, and I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you all about it.
For women who prefer automatics, the Monaco is a great watch and a great value. Having scanned the online market for this particular model, I can only be impressed with how well the WW2116 has held its value.
It is the perfect combination of an iconic design melded with contemporary yet classic fashion. I commend TAG Heuer for making automatic Monacos for ladies, realizing that their biggest fans do in fact have discerning taste and appreciation for mechanical movements over quartz. Well played, TAG Heuer. Well, played!
